The 12 Best Waterproof Backpacks & Bags For Your Adventures

Last Updated 19 Apr 2024 by Fiona Perisone

EDITOR'S PICKS

Recommended
Best Overall    
Rains Backpack thumbnail

4.7/5

  • Faux leather
  • Fold-over flap with magnetic closure
  • Zip exterior pocket
Recommended
Best For Everyday Life
Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack thumbnail

4.5/5

  • Fits most 13" laptops
  • Two-way zip-around closure with rain flap
  • Water-resistant
Recommended
Best Sling Bag
Osprey Daylite Waterproof Sling Bag thumbnail

4/5

  • Versatile design and can be worn as a tote or backpack
  • Has the perfect amount of storage compartments

MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM

A waterproof backpack is a must-have for outdoor adventures as it will keep your belongings dry and secure— rain or shine. Whether you are going for a joy sailboat ride or hiking through a tropical jungle, a waterproof backpack can help keep all your gears dry and protected. And if you live in a city, a waterproof backpack may just be your new favorite type of bag to use as it can keep your laptop and electric items safe.

To help you shop, we have rounded up the twelve best waterproof bags below that are a safe bet for any outdoor adventure. Created with the highest-quality materials and industry-leading waterproofing technology, these bags below are a must-have.

What to Look For in a Waterproof Backpack

As many a rain-soaked adventurer can attest, not all waterproof backpacks are created alike. Choose the wrong one, and you'll have soggy belongings by the time you finish your waterfall hike or weekday morning commute. Here are a few key design details that'll help keep your gear dry no matter the weather conditions:

Waterproof Materials

The best waterproof backpacks are made using a breathable, waterproof fabric membrane, GORETEX, or ripstop nylon with a polyurethane waterproof coating.

Waterproof Zippers

Sick of water creeping into your backpack? Look for products made with waterproof zippers that lock out rain and snow. Just be sure to pull them tight!

Taped Seams

Many brands reinforce the seams of their waterproof bags and backpacks to prevent moisture from sneaking through stitching and dampening what's inside.

Laptop Sleeve

Backpacks designed for work or travel often feature a laptop sleeve that helps keep your bag organized, protect your device from water damage, and speed up your trip through airport security.

External Pockets

Zippered external pockets keep the main compartment's contents dry when you reach for your phone, mask, and other small essentials. Mesh water bottle pockets help keep you hydrated in any weather.

Internal Pockets

Keep your phone, keys, wallet, and jewelry organized and secure by taking advantage of your bag's internal pockets. Many travel bags feature pockets made specifically for books, magazines, and passports.

Adjustable Straps/ Compression Straps

Comfort should always remain a priority, so look for waterproof backpacks equipped with adjustable straps. Padding is an added bonus!

Roll-top closures with compress straps are great to have as they let you tighten up the bag when it's not entirely full and can help prevent items inside from moving around.

Chest, Hip, and Shoulder Straps

Additional straps help balance out your load for increased comfort during long periods of continuous wear. Look for features like padded straps and a removable waist belt, as they can provide great comfort on longer treks.

The 12 Best Waterproof Backpack And Water Resistant Selections

Rains Backpack

Best Overall

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Rains Backpack

Features:

  • Faux leather
  • Fold-over flap with magnetic closure
  • Zip exterior pocket
  • Patch and zip interior pockets

From your daily commute to a day hike, Rains' signature Backpack can do it all. Engineered with the label's proprietary polyurethane fabric, it'll keep your belongings dry and protected inside its large main compartment and padded laptop pocket. Hidden on the back is a single exterior pocket for quick and easy access to your phone, wallet, and keys. A monochrome carabiner closure and adjustable shoulder straps complement the minimalist vibe of its rectangular shape.

Offered in multiple sizes and a kaleidoscope of color options, it's easy to find a keep-forever piece that complements your personal style. Might we suggest snagging one of rain's best-selling raincoats in the same color?

Material

Faux leather

Interior Capacity

N/A

Dimensions

11.75 in l x 20 in H

Pros:

  • Stylish and functional. Perfect for a minimalist.
  • Not bulky
  • Can carry laptop and files

Cons:

  • Material can feel thin, especially the straps

Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack

Best For Everyday Life

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Fjällräven Kånken Water Resistant Backpack

Features:

  • Fits most 13" laptops
  • Two-way zip-around closure with rain flap
  • Water-resistant

Fjällräven's Kånken Backpack has been one of the Scandinavian label's best-selling styles for nearly 50 years. First developed in the 1970s for Swedish schoolchildren, its functional rectangular design features a two-way zip-around closure, a snap-together top handle, an exterior zip pocket, and adjustable backpack straps.

Crafted from fluorocarbon-free Vinylon F™ fabric, it's exceptionally durable, surprisingly lightweight, and reliably water-resistant. With nearly thirty color options to choose from, these water-resistant backpacks are sure to become your new go-to backpack for work, school, and everyday life. And did we mention there's a mini size too?

Material

Vinylon

Interior Capacity

Medium

Dimensions

4" D x 10 1/2" W x 14" H 

Pros:

  • Versatile and can be used on different occasions
  • Comfortable to carry
  • Easy to get in and out
  • Sturdy straps

Cons:

  • It can feel small for school supplies

Osprey Daylite Waterproof Sling Bag

Best Sling Bag

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Osprey Daylite Waterproof Sling Bag

Features:

  • Waterproof
  • Bluesign-approved fabric
  • Essential for day hikes and errands alike

Smaller than a backpack but larger than a fanny pack, this Osprey Daylite Waterproof Sling Bag is ideal for when you need something in-between. It's made using bluesign®-approved recycled nylon fabric with a water-repellent finish that's great for rainy days. Equipped with an exterior zippered pocket and interior key clip, staying organized on the go has never been easier. Just sling the streamlined bag across one shoulder, and you're ready to take on the world!

Material

Nylon

Interior Capacity

N/A

Dimensions

13" D x 14" W x 29" H

Pros:

  • Versatile design and can be worn as a tote or backpack
  • Has the perfect amount of storage compartments

Cons:

  • Size can be small

Patagonia Ascensionist 35L Backpack

Best for Mountaineering

overall 

4.8/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Patagonia Ascensionist 35L Backpack

Features:

  • Hydration compatible
  • Padded waist belt
  • For hiking, climbing, and travel use
  • Durable ripstop materials are abrasion resistant

The Patagonia Ascensionist 35L Backpack was designed with the modern mountaineer in mind. Made entirely from recycled materials, the hiking backpack helps preserve the land and water that you love. With proper care, its durable ripstop fabric and waterproof finish keep your belongings dry and protected for decades to come.

While it's great for casual hikes and day trips, padded hip and sternum straps ensure it's up for all-day treks, intense climbing, and international travel. Shoppers can choose between two vibrant color options— fire red and ocean blue— that are impossible to miss at baggage claim.

Material

Fabric: 100% recycled nylon ripstop

Lining: 100% recycled polyester

Interior Capacity

35 liters

Dimensions

25.5" x 12" x 5.5"

Pros:

  • Light and versatile
  • It can be used for winter sports as the webbing on the outside can carry a helmet
  • Very durable material and light
  • Lots of configuration options

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Loading the pack can be a little awkward because the pack doesn't easily stand up on its own

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Best Travel Bag

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Features:

  • Water-resistant
  • Fits a 15″ laptop
  • Dyed with bluesign®-approved dyes

Looking for a carry-on that can do it all? The ReNew Transit Backpack from Everlane is just the travel bag you're searching for. Equipped with a water-resistant finish and travel-focused design features, it's both functional and fashionable. Made from 100% recycled materials, it's eco-friendly too!

The versatile waterproof backpack features internal pockets for your passport and wallet and a 15-inch exterior laptop pocket that helps you breeze through crowded TSA lines. A pass-through strap secures the bag to your rolling luggage while you squeeze into a tiny bathroom stall or sprint to catch your flight. There are also two water bottle holders and two exterior pockets for easy in-flight access to your headphones, chapstick, phone charger, and other small essentials.

Material

100% Recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish

Interior Capacity

27 liters

Dimensions

12" l x 7.25" d x 17.5" h

Pros:

  • Stylish
  • It can hold alot of stuff without being too bulky
  • Functional and has a lot of pockets
  • Comfortable wear

Cons:

  • Magnetic flap closure sometimes doesn't align correctly

Body Glove Ruxton Waterproof Floatable Backpack

Best for Water Activities

overall 

4.2/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Body Glove Ruxton Waterproof Floatable Backpack

Features:

  • Adjustable, padded shoulder straps with sternum strap
  • Spacious interior compartment
  • Waterproof lining and tablet-laptop sleeve

When it comes to water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding, your average water-resistant backpack just won't do. Developed with cutting-edge waterproofing technology, Body Glove's Ruxton Waterproof Floatable Backpack offers peace of mind while you're on the water. Its PVC tarpaulin body fabric, welded seams, and water-resistant zippers can't guarantee your belongings stay completely dry when submerged underwater, but they can protect them from splashes, puddles, and heavy rain. Zippered internal and external pockets and a 12-inch laptop sleeve ensure your gear stays organized too.

Material

Tarpaulin PVC

Interior Capacity

N/A

Dimensions

5" H x 13" D x 27" W

Pros:

  • Spacious interior
  • Custom-fit to ensure your belongings stays in place
  • Adjustable, padded shoulder straps with sternum strap

Cons:

  • It is pricey compare to other similar products

YETI Panga Series Airtight Waterproof Bag

Worth the Splurge

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

YETI Panga Series Airtight Waterproof Bag

Features:

  • Waterproof
  • Puncture and abrasion-resistant
  • Has removable chest straps and waist belt

If you're willing to shell out a bit more for a high-end waterproof backpack, check out the Panga Series Airtight Waterproof Bag from YETI. It's made using a shell of high-density nylon and thick TPU lamination that's waterproof and puncture-resistant. An interior sleeve and mesh pocket keep your must-haves safe and organized— even in a downpour.

Love the look? Check out the rest of the Panga Series' waterproof duffle bags and backpacks. While they're a bit of a splurge, they'll last through countless adventures to come— and look good while they do.

Material

Vinyl

Interior Capacity

N/A

Dimensions

N/A

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Dependable
  • Great for a wet and wild adventure
  • Comfortable to carry

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Scratches and scrapes show up pretty easily

Fjällräven High Coast 24-Liter Waterproof Foldsack

Best for Day Hikes

overall 

4.7/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Fjällräven High Coast 24-Liter Waterproof Foldsack

Features:

  • Detachable sternum and hip straps
  • Waterproof
  • A great choice for travel

If your average weekend involves a day hike, it's worth investing in this High Coast 24-Liter Waterproof Foldsack from Fjällräven. Practical enough for the mountains and stylish enough for the streets, it's the perfect everyday bag for the modern adventurer.

The adaptable waterproof backpack is made using recycled tech fabric that reduces your environmental footprint while keeping your essentials nice and dry during a rainy day hike. The bag features a top handle, adjustable backpack straps, and detachable sternum and hip straps to ensure all-day comfort no matter the excursion.

Material

100% recycled nylon

Interior Capacity

N/A

Dimensions

N/A

Pros:

  • The entire bag can roll into a small tube for easy storage
  • It can hold up to a 15″ laptop
  • A good amount of quick-grab compartments for easy access

Cons:

  • The zipper on the main compartment sometimes gets caught on one side
  • It doesn't retain its shape well

Rockland Packable Stowaway Backpack

Best Packable

overall 

5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Rockland Packable Stowaway Backpack

Features:

  • High quality tear and water resistant
  • Padded shoulder straps
  • Buckled chest strap
  • Mesh side pockets

Rockland's Packable Stowaway Backpack folds easily for compact storage in your suitcase, overnight bag, or crowded closet. It's crafted from durable ripstop polyester with a water-repellent finish, two exterior zippered pockets, and side mesh pockets for versatile organization. Padded shoulder straps and a buckled chest strap evenly distribute weight to help lighten your load. Consider it a must-have for international travel.

Rockland offers the grab-and-go bag in five color options: navy, black, light blue, charcoal grey, and forest green.

Material

Polyester

Interior Capacity

30 liters

Dimensions

12.5" x 5" x 16.5" H

Pros:

  • Well made
  • The backpack itself is very lightweight
  • Sturdy enough to pack with everything needed for a long weekend trip

Cons:

  • Thin material

Filson 28L Dry Backpack

Best Roll-Top Waterproof Backpack

overall 

4.6/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Filson 28L Dry Backpack

Features:

  • EVA padded shoulder straps
  • Waterproof, durable, and flexible
  • Roll-top access
  • Perfect for flatwater paddling, river paddling, and travel

Filson's 28L Dry Backpack is intended to last a lifetime. The wet weather-friendly bag is built from nylon polyester with sonic-welded seams and reinforced webbing straps for added durability. An ovular base offers stability during unloading and loading, while padded shoulder straps, back padding, and an adjustable sternum strap keep you balanced and comfortable throughout your hike. With two external pockets and a 28-Liter main compartment, you've got plenty of space for dry clothes, socks, and shoes to change into when you're finished exploring. The splurge-worthy style is offered in classic black or high-visibility neon orange.

Material

Nylon

Interior Capacity

28 liters

Dimensions

20" x 12.5" x 6.5"

Pros:

  • Stylish
  • Versatile design. The streamlined look is perfect for urban adventures, and the bag transitions seamlessly to the backcountry
  • Durable and can last for awhile

Cons:

  • No interior pocket
  • The zipper pouch is not waterproof

Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack

Best Submersible Backpack

overall 

5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Sea To Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack

Features:

  • Heavy-duty dry pack
  • Great for paddle sports, canyoneering, overlanding, and other outdoor adventures
  • Removable mesh and foam harness
  • Has a webbing waist strap

You need a submersible backpack like Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack for serious water adventures. It is the perfect waterproof backpack for paddle sports, bike touring, canyon runs, rafting adventures, and so much more!

Constructed from TPU-coated nylon and extra-strength waterproof zippers, it's waterproof, puncture-resistant, and surprisingly lightweight. Simply blow into the air valve to inflate the internal flotation device, and your bag won't ever sink to the bottom. Foam padding on the shoulders and adjustable sternum and hip straps keep your load balanced and comfortable during long periods of continuous wear.

Material

Nylon

Interior Capacity

35 liters

Dimensions

13" x 8" x 28"

Pros:

  • Sturdy construction
  • Comfortable shoulder straps
  • No leaks
  • Easy to open and close

Cons:

  • Materials feel thin and will show sign of wear after moderate use

Rains Small Duffel Backpack

Best Duffle Backpack

overall 

4.5/5

Quality

Durability

Ease of Use

Cost

Rains Small Duffel Backpack

Features:

  • Durable webbed straps
  • Waterproof
  • Detachable adjustable shoulder strap

Rains' Small Duffle Backpack was made for life on the go. Designed to be carried as both a duffle bag and a backpack, it's an excellent overnight bag or carry-on. Durable webbed straps and polyurethane-coated nylon with a waterproof finish ensure it's up for any task. The versatile waterproof backpack is offered in two timeless black and brown shades. Use it as your travel bag for a work conference, your backpack for a camping trip, or a shopping bag on a bike ride to the grocery store.

Material

Polyurethane-coated polyester

Interior Capacity

31 liters

Dimensions

 10.6" D x 16.9" W x 10.6" H

Pros:

  • A good size compartment
  • Nice, tough material

Cons:

  • Only one main compartment but no other pockets inside

About the Author

Fiona is a veteran travel consultant, photographer and travel writer at planetrider.com. She has spent many years as a corporate travel consultant and decided to actually live the life rather than plan it for others!

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